ES2565390T3 - Instrument reprocessing method - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for using a monitoring system to maintain a volume of reprocessing fluid within a supply reservoir for a fluid circulation system (290a, 290b) of an instrument reprocessor (100), said method comprising the steps of : supplying a quantity of reprocessing fluid to the supply tank (220) from a source of reprocessing fluid (201a, 201b); detect the amount of reprocessing fluid in the supply tank; determining whether the amount of reprocessing fluid in the supply tank is more than a predetermined amount; operate a positive displacement filling pump (210) to supply reprocessing fluid to the supply tank (220) if the amount of reprocessing fluid in the supply tank is less than a predetermined amount, where the displacement filling pump positive (210) is configured to supply a fixed volume of reprocessing fluid per stroke; monitor the amount of reprocessing fluid in the supply tank (220) as the positive displacement filling pump (210) is being operated; determining whether the amount of reprocessing fluid in the fluid reservoir (220) has increased by a re-supply volume equal to the product of the volume displaced per stroke and the number of strokes of the positive displacement filling pump (210); and issue an alert if the amount of reprocessing fluid in the supply tank (220) has not increased by the volume of re-supply.

Description

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

Instrument reprocessing method Description

BACKGROUND

i. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to reprocessing, cleaning, sterilization and / or decontamination of medical instruments.

ii. Description of Related Technique

In various circumstances, an endoscope may include an elongated portion, or tube, that has a distal end that can be configured to be inserted into a patient's body and, in addition, a plurality of channels that extend through the elongated portion. which may be configured to direct water, air, and / or any other suitable fluid in a surgical site. In some circumstances, one or more channels in an endoscope may be configured to guide a surgical instrument to the surgical site. In any case, an endoscope can also include a proximal end that has inputs in fluid communication with the channels and, in addition, a control head section that has one or more valves and / or switches, configured to control the flow or fluid to through the channels. In at least one situation, an endoscope may include an air channel, a water channel, and one or more valves within the control head configured to control the flow of air and water through the channels.

Decontamination systems can be used to reprocess previously used medical devices, such as endoscopes, for example, so that medical devices can be used again. There are a variety of decontamination systems for reprocessing endoscopes. In general, said systems may include at least one rinse pool in which an endoscope that is to be cleaned and / or disinfected can be placed. The rinsing pool is commonly supported by a frame that supports a system of circulation of lines, pumps and valves for the purpose of directing a cleaning and / or disinfectant agent in and / or on an endoscope that has been placed in the pool. During the decontamination process, the channels within the endoscope can be evaluated to verify that the channels are not obstructed. In several embodiments, the circulation system can be fluidly connected to the endoscope channels by connectors that detachably couple with ports that can define the ends of the channels. Such connectors can achieve a liquid tight seal while attached to the endoscope, and can still be easily disassembled at the end of the decontamination process. Examples of decontamination systems are described in US 2009/0062610, which describes an automated endoscope reprocessor auto-disinfection connection, and US 2006/0283483, which describes a system for washing, sterilizing and preserving endoscopes.

The above analysis should not be taken as a rejection of the scope of the claims.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a method of using a monitoring system to maintain a volume of reprocessing fluid within a supply reservoir for a fluid circulation system of an instrument reprocessor as set forth in the appended claims.

In at least one form, an instrument reprocessor for cleaning a medical instrument may comprise a chamber configured to receive the medical instrument, a supply of reprocessing fluid, a supply pump in fluid communication with the supply of reprocessing fluid, in the that the supply pump comprises a positive displacement pump, and a reservoir in fluid communication with the supply pump, in which the reservoir comprises an upper part and a lower part, and in which the reservoir can comprise a fluid height processing between the top and bottom. The instrument reprocessor may further comprise a linear sensor that extends between the upper part of the tank and the lower part of the tank, in which the linear sensor is configured to detect the height of the reprocessing fluid and, in addition, a processor in communication by signal with the linear sensor, in which the processor is configured to handle the supply pump when the reprocessing fluid height is below a predetermined height, and in which the predetermined height is between the top of the tank and the bottom of the deposit. The instrument reprocessor may further comprise a dispensing pump in fluid communication with the bottom of the tank and the chamber, in which the dispensing pump comprises a positive displacement pump, and in which the processor is configured to handle the dispensing pump.

In at least one way, a method of controlling the flow of reprocessing fluid through a

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

An instrument having at least a first channel and a second channel may comprise the steps of handling a pump in fluid communication with a source of reprocessing fluid, flowing the reprocessing fluid through a first fluid circuit comprising a first valve and a first differential pressure sensor, in which the first fluid circuit is in fluid communication with the pump and the first channel, and the reprocessing fluid flows through a second fluid circuit comprising a second valve and a second differential pressure sensor, in which the second fluid circuit is in fluid communication with the pump and the second channel. The method may further comprise the steps of detecting a first pressure differential in the reprocessing fluid flowing in the first valve using the first differential pressure sensor, detecting a second pressure differential in the reprocessing fluid flowing in the second valve using the second differential pressure sensor, modulate the first valve to control the first flow of the reprocessing fluid through the first channel using an outlet of the first differential pressure sensor, and modulate the second valve to control the second flow of the reprocessing fluid through the second channel using an output of the second differential pressure sensor.

In at least one way, an instrument reprocessor for cleaning a medical instrument that includes a passage may comprise a chamber configured to receive the medical instrument, a supply connector configured to be fluidly coupled with the passage, a pump configured to pressurize a fluid. reprocessing and supplying the reprocessing fluid to the supply connector, the pump comprising an inlet and an outlet, and a manometric pressure sensor positioned to detect the manometric pressure of the reprocessing fluid flowing from the pump outlet. The instrument reprocessor may further comprise a flow control system that includes a valve in fluid communication with the supply connector, in which the valve is configured to control a flow of reprocessing fluid through the passage, and in which The valve comprises an inlet and an outlet. The instrument reprocessor may also include a differential pressure sensor configured to detect a pressure broth in the reprocessing fluid on opposite sides of a fixed orifice, in which the differential pressure sensor is positioned downstream with respect to the pressure sensor manometric and upstream with respect to the valve output, and a processor in signal communication with the differential pressure sensor, in which the processor is configured to interpret the flow based on the pressure boiler and send to the valve at least one of at least partially closed and at least partially opened.

In at least one way, a method of using a monitoring system to maintain a volume of reprocessing fluid within a supply reservoir for a fluid circulation system of an instrument reprocessor can comprise the steps of supplying a quantity of fluid. from reprocessing to the supply tank from a source of reprocessing fluid, detecting the amount of reprocessing fluid in the supply tank, and determining whether the amount of reprocessing fluid in the supply tank is more than a predetermined amount. The method may further comprise the steps of handling a positive displacement filling pump to supply reprocessing fluid to the supply tank if the amount of reprocessing fluid in the supply tank is less than the predetermined amount, in which the pump of Positive displacement filling is configured to supply a fixed volume of reprocessing fluid per stroke, monitor the amount of reprocessing fluid in the supply tank as the positive displacement filling pump is being handled, determine if the amount of fluid Reprocessing in the supply tank has increased by a re-supply volume equal to the product of the volume displaced per stroke and the number of strokes of the positive displacement filling pump, and issuing an alert if the amount of reprocessing fluid in The supply deposit has not increased due to the volume of re-supply.

In at least one way, a method for controlling the flow of reprocessing fluid through an instrument comprising a channel can comprise the steps of handling a pump in fluid communication with a source of reprocessing fluid, measuring the pressure gauge of the fluid of reprocessing flowing from the pump, adjusting the flow of the reprocessing fluid to adjust the manometric pressure of the reprocessing fluid, and flowing the reprocessing fluid through a fluid circuit comprising a valve and a differential pressure sensor, in which the fluid circuit is in fluid communication with the pump and the channel. The method may further comprise the steps of detecting a pressure differential in the reprocessing fluid flowing in the valve using the differential pressure sensor, and modulating the valve to control the flow rate of reprocessing fluid through the channel using an outlet of the differential pressure sensor.

In at least one way, a method for controlling the flow of reprocessing fluid through an instrument having at least a first channel and a second channel, in which the first channel is defined by a first value of a parameter and the The second channel is defined by a second parameter value, it can comprise the steps of initializing a pump in fluid communication with a source of reprocessing fluid to begin an operating cycle, supplying the reprocessing fluid to a first fluid circuit comprising a first valve, in which the first fluid circuit is in fluid communication with the pump and the first channel, and supplying the reprocessing fluid to a second fluid circuit comprising a second valve, in which the second fluid circuit is in fluid communication with the pump and the second channel. He

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

The method may further comprise the step of modulating the first valve to limit the flow of reprocessing fluid through the first channel, in which the flow of reprocessing fluid is limited by an amount based on the difference between the first value of the parameter and the second parameter value, so the reprocessing fluid flows through the first channel and the second channel when the pump is initialized.

The above analysis should not be taken as a rejection of the scope of the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of this invention, and how to achieve them, will be apparent and the same invention will be better understood with reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an endoscope reprocessor according to at least one embodiment comprising two sinks;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pools of the endoscope reprocessor of FIG. one;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a channel flow subsystem of the endoscope reprocessor of FIG. one; FIG. 3A is a diagram of a channel flow subsystem to control the pressure of the fluid flowing through it;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a manifold assembly that includes a plurality of flow control units;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the manifold of the manifold assembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a flow control unit configured to control the flow of fluid through a supply line of the endoscope channel;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a metering valve of the flow control unit of FIG. 6; FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the flow control unit of FIG. 6 with the dosing valve of FIG. 7 withdrawal;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a subset of the control unit of FIG. 6 which includes a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly, a pressure gauge sensor, and two differential pressure sensors;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the differential pressure sensor of the control unit of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the manometric pressure sensor of the control unit of FIG.

9;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a fluid management system;

FIG. 13 is a top view of the fluid management system of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the fluid management system of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is an elevation view of the fluid management system of FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is a schematic of the fluid management system of FIG. 12; Y

FIG. 17 illustrates an endoscope positioned within the endoscope carrier in the pool of FIG. 2.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts along several views. The exemplifications set forth herein illustrate certain embodiments of the invention, in one form, and as exemplifications should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention in any way.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture and use of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the invention of the various embodiments of the present invention is defined only by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with an exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

The reference throughout the specification to "various embodiments", "some embodiments", "one embodiment" or "the embodiment" or the like, means that a particular feature, structure or feature described in connection with the embodiment is included in the Less an accomplishment. Thus, the occurrences of the phrases "in various embodiments", "in some embodiments", "in one embodiment" or "in one embodiment", or the like, at sites throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to it realization. In addition, the characteristics, structures or features may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the particular characteristics, structures or features illustrated or described in connection with an embodiment may be combined, in whole or in part, with the characteristics, structures or features of one or more other embodiments without limitation. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

of the present invention.

The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used herein with reference to a surgical instrument. The term "proximal" referring to the portion closest to the clinic and the term "distal" referring to the portion located far from the clinic. It will also be appreciated that, for convenience and clarity, the spatial terms such as "vertical", "horizontal", "above" and "below" may be used herein with respect to the drawings. However, in some circumstances, the devices disclosed herein may be used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and / or absolute.

As described above, referring to FIG. 1, a reprocessor of medical instruments, such as an endoscope reprocessor 100, for example, can be configured to clean one or more endoscopes. In certain embodiments, the endoscope reprocessor may be configured to disinfect and / or sterilize an endoscope. In several embodiments, the endoscope reprocessor may comprise at least one pool 110, in which each pool 110 may be configured to receive an endoscope in it. Although the endoscope reprocessor 100 comprises two sinks, for example, several alternative embodiments are provided comprising any suitable number of sinks 110. In several embodiments, the reprocessor 100 may also include one or more endoscope carriers 120 configured to support an endoscope in they that can be placed in each pool 110. In use, a clinician can place the endoscope in the endoscope holder 120 and then position the endoscope holder 120 inside the pool 110. Alternatively, the doctor can position the carrier 120 in the pool 110 and then position the endoscope on carrier 120. In any case, once the endoscope has been properly positioned inside pool 110, it can be closed to secure and / or seal a folding door 130 to frame 140 of the reprocessor to enclose the endoscope inside pool 110. After that, the clinician can handle the endoscope 100 reprocessor inter acting with a control panel 150, for example. Exemplary embodiments of pool 110, carrier 120, and folding door 130 are described in a co-owned United States Patent Application, contemporaneously titled INSTRUMENT REPROCESSORS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS, Tax File No. 110515. In reference now to FIG. 17, an endoscope 100 positioned within a carrier 120 that is positioned in a sink 110 is illustrated. In various embodiments, the endoscope 101 may comprise several portions 102, 103 and / or 104 that can be supported within the carrier 120.

[019] In various embodiments, in addition to the above, the endoscope reprocessor 100 may include a circulation system that can circulate one or more reprocessing fluids such as detergent, sterilizer, disinfectant, water, alcohol and / or any other suitable fluid for example, through the endoscope and / or spray the fluid into the endoscope. The circulation system may comprise a fluid supply and a circulation pump, in which the circulation pump can be fluidly connected to the fluid supply such that the fluid can be removed from the fluid supply in the fluid system. circulation. In certain embodiments, the circulation system may include a mixing chamber in which the fluid may be mixed with another fluid, such as water, for example, in which the mixing chamber may be in fluid communication with the circulation pump. In any case, referring now to FIG. 2, each pool 110 may comprise one or more spray nozzles 112 that may be in fluid communication with the circulation pump such that the fluid pressurized by the circulation pump can be expelled from the circulation system through the nozzles 112 and on the endoscope. In at least one of said embodiments, each pool 110 may include a plurality of nozzles 1112 positioned around the perimeter thereof and one or more nozzles 112 that can spray upwards from the floor of the pool, or splash guard, 111. Certain exemplary embodiments are described in greater detail in a co-owned United States Patent Application, contemporaneously filed INSTRUMENT REPROCESSORS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS, Tax File No. 110515.

In several embodiments, in addition to the above, each sink 110 can be configured to guide the sprayed fluid therein down into a drain 116 positioned at the bottom of it where the fluid can then re-enter the circulation system. To clean, disinfect and / or sterilize the internal channels within the endoscope, the endoscope reprocessor 100 may include one or more supply lines in fluid communication with the pump of the circulation system that may be placed in fluid communication with the internal channels of the endoscope In several embodiments, referring again to FIG. 2, each pool 110 may include one or more ports 114 that may comprise the ends of the supply lines. In the illustrated embodiment, each pool 110 has a bank of four ports 114 positioned on opposite sides thereof, although other alternative embodiments are provided that may comprise any suitable number and arrangement of ports 114. In certain embodiments, the endoscope reprocessor 110 may further comprise one or more flexible conduits that can be connected and / or hermetically coupled with ports 114 and the channels defined in the endoscope such that pressurized fluid from the circulation system can flow through ports 114, the flexible ducts, and then inside the endoscope. Flexible ducts and connectors used to hermetically fit flexible ducts with the endoscope are described in U.S. Patent Application. Serial No. 12 / 998,459, entitled FLUID CONNECTOR FOR ENDOSCOPE REPROCESSING SYSTEM, which was filed on August 29, 2011 and U.S. Patent Application. Serial No. 12 / 98,458, entitled FAST DISCONNECTION FLUID CONNECTOR, which was also presented on

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

August 29, 2011.

In various circumstances, in addition to the above, the channels defined within the endoscope can be blocked or obstructed by debris, for example they can prevent the endoscope from being cleaned, disinfected and / or properly sterilized. In some circumstances, the waste positioned within a channel of the endoscope can at least partially block the flow of fluid through it, thereby reducing the rate at which fluid can flow through the channel. Several embodiments of an endoscope reprocessor are provided herein in which the fluid flow rate through an endoscope channel can be monitored to assess whether there is an obstruction in the channel. In such embodiments, the monitoring system could measure the actual fluid flow rate and compare it with the expected fluid flow rate given the pressure at which the fluid was pressurized by the circulation pump. Certain monitoring systems could also assess whether the flexible duct connectors are tightly coupled with the endoscope channel and / or the ports 114 of the sink, for example. In such systems, the monitoring system could detect if the fluid flow rate is above an expected flow rate, for example.

Referring now to the diagram of FIG. 3, an endoscope reprocessor may comprise a flow subsystem 160 of the channel including a manifold 166 in fluid communication in fluid communication with the pump of the circulation system, indicated as pump 162, which can be configured to distribute the pressurized fluid to the supply lines of the endoscope reprocessor channels and then to the endoscope channels. Said supply lines of the endoscope reprocessor channel are indicated as supply lines 164 in the diagram of FIG. 3. In various embodiments, each supply line 164 of the endoscope reprocessor may include at least one differential pressure sensor 172, at least one metering valve 174, and at least one manometric pressure sensor 176. In certain embodiments, now referenced to FIGS. 6 and 9, each supply line 164 of the reprocessor channel may include a control unit assembly 170 comprising a frame 171, a differential pressure sensor 172, a metering valve 174 and a manometric pressure sensor 176. In at least one of said embodiments, each frame 171 may include an inlet 168 and an internal passage that can be configured to direct the flow or fluid through an inlet 173a and then through an outlet 173b of the differential pressure sensor 172. Between the inlet 173a and the outlet 173b of the differential pressure sensor 172 a hole 175 (FIG. 10) comprising a fixed diameter can be defined. In at least one of said embodiments, the diameter of the hole 175 may be constant along its length. Said hole could be created by a drilling process, for example. In several other embodiments, the diameter of the hole 175 may not be constant along its length. In any circumstance, said holes can be fixed in the sense that they do not change, or at least change substantially, over time. As described in more detail below, now referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the differential pressure sensor 172 may further comprise a plurality of electrical contacts 177 that can place the differential pressure sensor 172 in signal communication with a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly 179 of the unit assembly. control 170. The electrical contacts 177 can also be configured to supply the differential pressure sensor 172 with electrical power. Several differential pressure sensors are commercially available from Honeywell, for example.

As noted above, the differential pressure sensor 172 may be in electrical and / or signal communication with the PCB assembly 179. More specifically, the PCB assembly 179 may include, among other things, a microprocessor and / or any suitable computer, for example, in which the differential pressure sensor 172 can be configured to generate a voltage potential that communicates with the microprocessor of the PCB assembly 179. In at least one of said embodiments, the microprocessor of the PCB assembly 179 It can be configured to interpret the voltage potential supplied by the differential pressure sensor 172 and calculate the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the differential pressure sensor 172.

In certain embodiments, in addition to the above, a plurality of fluid flow values may be stored in a search table defined within the programmable memory in the PCB assembly 179, for example. Often, in several embodiments, the expected fluid flow rates in the search table can be theoretically predicted while, in certain embodiments, the values can be tested empirically and then stored in the programmable memory. In any case, the fluid flow rate can be determined as a function of the manometric pressure of the fluid being discharged by the circulation pump 162 and supplying the manifold 166. In at least one of said embodiments, a manometric pressure sensor, such as the pressure gauge sensor 159 (FIG. 3), for example, can be positioned downstream with respect to the output of the circulation pump 162 such that the pressure gauge of the fluid being supplied to each of the lines of Supply 164 of the reprocessor channel can be measured. In said embodiments, the manometric pressure sensor 159 can be placed in electrical and / or signal communication with each PCB assembly 179 of the flow control units 170 such that the manometric pressure of the fluid can be communicated to the microprocessor of each assembly of PCB 179 in the form of a voltage potential. Once the pressure gauge of the fluid has been communicated to the PCB assembly 179, in several embodiments, the microprocessor can derive the fluid flow rate from the search table and compare the value of the fluid flow rate with the target fluid flow rate. . Often, the actual flow rate will not match exactly the target flow rate and, therefore, a range of values for the actual flow rate between a minimum target value and a target value may be acceptable.

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

maximum target value.

In several embodiments, in addition to the foregoing, the flow of fluid through the supply line 164 of the reprocessor channel can be determined as a function of two variables, the gauge pressure reading of the gauge pressure sensor 159, as described above. and, in addition, the pressure differential reading of the differential pressure sensor 172 of a corresponding flow control unit 170. Said system can use a plurality of search tables to derive the flow rate of the fluid. For example, for each potential gauge pressure of the fluid that can be supplied to manifold 166, such as 35 psi, for example, a table could be stored that correlates the reading of differential pressure sensor 172 and the expected flow rate within each PCB assembly 179. In such embodiments, a large range of manometric pressures may need to be accounted for and, therefore, a large number of search tables may be necessary. In several other embodiments, the pressure of the fluid being supplied to the supply lines 164 of the reprocessor may be limited to a particular pressure or a limited range of pressures. In at least one of said embodiments, referring to FIG. 3A, the fluid circulation system of the instrument reprocessor 100 may include a pressure limiting valve, such as a metering valve 158, for example, which may be in fluid communication with the outlet of the circulation pump 162 and a feedback loop of fluid 157. In at least one of said embodiments, the metering valve 158 can be configured to redirect a portion of the fluid being discharged by the pump 162 and return the redirected fluid to the circulation system at an inlet positioned upstream with respect to the pump 162, for example, such that the pressure of the fluid being supplied to the manifold 166 is provided at a constant, or at least substantially constant, pressure, such as 35 psig, for example. In at least one of said embodiments, a PCB assembly may be used that includes a microprocessor and / or any suitable computer, for example, that is in electrical and / or signal communication with the manometric pressure sensor 1159 and the metering valve 158 In use, when the pressure gauge of the fluid is above 35 psig, for example, the PCB assembly may order the metering valve 158 to open a certain amount, or an additional amount, to allow the fluid, or more fluid, flow through the fluid feedback loop 157. In such circumstances, such actions may lower the pressure of the fluid flowing to the manifold 166. In the event that the fluid pressure remains above 35 psig, the assembly The PCB could order the dosing valve 158 to open an additional quantity. Such steps could be repeated any suitable number of times to reach the desired fluid pressure. Consequently, when the pressure gauge of the fluid is below 35 psig, for example, the PCB assembly can order the metering valve 158 to close a certain amount to reduce the rate of fluid flowing through the feedback loop. of fluid 157. In such circumstances, such actions can raise the pressure of the fluid flowing to the manifold 166. In the event that the fluid pressure remains below 35 psig, the PCB assembly could order the metering valve 158 to An additional amount is closed. Such steps could be repeated any suitable number of times to reach the desired fluid pressure.

In view of the foregoing, in several embodiments, the pressure gauge of the fluid being supplied to the flow control units 170 of the supply lines 164 of the reprocessor can be controlled in such a way that it is maintained at a constant pressure, or at less substantially constant. Accordingly, one of the variables for calculating the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the supply lines 164 of the reprocessor can be kept constant, or at least substantially constant. Therefore, as a result, the flow rate of the fluid through each supply line 164 of the reprocessor and its associated control unit 170 may be a function of only one variable, that is, the reading of the differential pressure sensor 172. In At least one of said embodiments, only a search table may be necessary to calculate the calculated, actual and / or correlated flow, the actual, calculated flow with the target flow to determine whether the actual, calculated flow is between the minimum and maximum acceptable values. maximum for fluid flow through supply line 164 of the reprocessor.

In the event that the actual fluid flow rate is between the maximum and minimum acceptable values for a given endoscope channel, as supplied to it by a supply line 164 of the reprocessor, the PCB assembly 179 of the control unit of corresponding flow 170 may not adjust the metering valve 174 and, instead, may continue to monitor the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow control unit 170. In the event that the actual flow rate of the fluid through the Supply line 164 of the reprocessor is below the minimum acceptable value or above the maximum acceptable value stored in the search table for a given pressure gauge for a supply line 164 of the given reprocessor, the PCB assembly 179 can open, open partially, close and / or partially close the metering valve 174 associated with it. In at least one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 6-8, the metering valve 174 may comprise a hole or chamber 180, a valve element positioned within the chamber 180, and a solenoid that can be activated to rotate the element inside the chamber 180 between an open position in which fluid can flow through the chamber, a closed position in which the element obstructs the flow of fluid through the chamber, and / or any other suitable position in between.

In several embodiments, in addition to the above, the microprocessor of the PCB assembly 179 may be configured to adjust the position of the valve element within the chamber 180 of the metering valve valve 174. In use, if the actual fluid flow rate through the supply line 164 of the reprocessor is greater

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

that the target fluid flow, the solenoid of the metering valve 174 can move the valve element to its closed position to further constreste the fluid flow through it. Similarly, if the actual fluid flow rate through the supply line 164 of the reprocessor is less than the target fluid flow rate, the solenoid of the metering valve 174 can move the valve element into its open position to reduce the constriction. to the fluid that flows through it. In several embodiments, the valve element can be rotated from an open position to a first position to build a valve opening a first amount, such as about 25%, for example, to a second position to build the valve hole to a second quantity, such as about 50%, for example, to a third position to build the valve hole a third amount, such as about 75%, for example, and to a closed position in which the valve hole is Consisted of approximately 100%, for example. In various embodiments, the valve element of the metering valve 174 may be placed in any suitable number of positions to provide a desired constriction of fluid flow through the valve 174. In any case, the position of the valve element can be controlled. by a voltage potential applied to the solenoid of the valve by the PCB assembly 179 in which, for example, a lower voltage potential applied to the solenoid of the valve may result in the valve element being oriented in a position that It is closer to its fully closed position compared to when a higher voltage potential is applied to the solenoid of the valve that guides the valve element in a position that is closer to its fully open position, for example.

In various circumstances, as a result of the above, the PCB assembly 179 may be configured to continuously monitor the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the supply line 164 of the reprocessor and adjust the metering valve 174 to increase and / or reduce the rate of fluid flowing through the supply line 164 of the reprocessor and, consequently, of the endoscope channel fluidly coupled thereto. In several embodiments, in addition to the above, PCB assembly 179 may be configured to maintain the fluid flow rate at and / or near a desired flow rate. In embodiments where the fluid that is circulated is a sterilizer or a solution that includes a sterilizer, for example, the sterilizer can sterilize the endoscope; However, the sterilizer may also adversely affect or degrade the endoscope. Therefore, in view of the foregoing, the channel flow subsystem 160 can be configured to deliver a minimum minimum flow of sterilizer to the endoscope to sterilize the endoscope and yet limit the maximum flow of sterilizer to the endoscope such that the sterilizer Do not degrade the endoscope too much. Similarly, in view of the above, the channel flow subsystem 160 can be configured to provide a minimum minimum flow of disinfectant to the endoscope to disinfect the endoscope and yet limit the maximum flow of disinfectant to the endoscope in such a way that the disinfectant Do not degrade the endoscope too much. In several embodiments, each supply line of the endoscope channel may also include a second differential pressure sensor, such as differential pressure sensor 178, for example, which can also detect the flow of fluid through supply line 164 of the reprocessor In at least one of said embodiments, the first differential pressure sensor 172 and the second differential pressure sensor 178 of a control unit assembly 172 can be placed parallel to each other where, in the event that the pressure sensors 172 and 178 provide significantly different voltage readings to the PCB assembly 179, the PCB assembly 179 may execute a corrective action routine that could include closing the metering valve 174, for example, and / or issuing an alert or warning to the operator that the control unit assembly 170 may need to be checked.

As noted above, each metering valve 174 can be configured to control the condition of a variable orifice. In at least one of said embodiments, each metering valve 174 may comprise a displacement element such as a spring, for example, which can be configured to displace the metering valve element 174, discussed above, in a normally closed condition. The solenoid of the metering valve 174, as also discussed above, can be actuated to move the valve element into an at least partially open position. In at least one embodiment, a series of voltage pulses can be applied to the solenoid from the corresponding PCB assembly 179 which can control the degree, or amount, in which the valve element opens. In at least one of said embodiments, the higher the frequency at which the voltage pulses are applied to the solenoid, the greater the variable orifice may be, thus allowing a greater flow of fluid through it. Consequently, the lower the frequency pulses are applied to the solenoid, the lower the variable orifice can be, thus allowing a lower flow of fluid through it. If the voltage pulses are no longer applied to the solenoid of the metering valve 174, the displacement element can move the valve element to a closed condition again. Several other embodiments are provided in which the valve element moves to a normally open condition and the solenoid of the metering valve can act to move the valve element to a at least partially closed condition. In several other embodiments, a valve for controlling the orifice can be configured to alternate a valve element between a fully open position and a completely closed position and control the rate of fluid flowing through it controlling the time at which the element of Valve is closed compared to the time in which the valve element is open. In at least one of said embodiments, the valve element can quickly alternate between its open and closed conditions by a solenoid, for example.

In addition to the above, each supply line 164 of the reprocessor may include a unit assembly

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

of control 170 in which the set of control units 170 can be configured to control the flow of fluid through the supply lines 164 of the reprocessor independently of one another. In various embodiments, the control unit assemblies 170 may not be in electrical communication and / or by signal to each other. In said embodiments, each control unit assembly 170 is configured to monitor and adjust the flow rate of the fluid flowing through a supply line 164 of the reprocessor without communicating with the other control unit sets 170. In several other embodiments, however, the control unit assemblies 170 may be in electrical and / or signal communication with each other such that certain parameters of the fluid within the supply lines 164 of the reprocessor may be compared with each other, for example. In any case, the PCB assembly 179 of a control unit 170 can be programmed to fully open the metering valve 174 thereof in the event that the pressure gauge leaving the control unit 170 exceeds a predetermined maximum pressure, such as approximately 21.75 psig, for example. In several embodiments, the pressure gauge sensor 176 of a control unit assembly 170, mentioned above, can be configured to, one, detect the pressure gauge of the fluid leaving the diffuser valve 174 of a supply line 164 of the reprocessor and , two, communicate a voltage potential to its corresponding PCB assembly 179 that can interpret the voltage potential at a gauge pressure. Compared to differential pressure sensors 172 and 178 that can detect a fluid pressure broth between two points in a fluid supply line, the manometric pressure sensors 176 can detect the actual fluid pressure, or manometric pressure. In several embodiments, referring to FIGS. 9 and 11, a manometric pressure sensor 176 may comprise a passage 185 that can be configured to direct the flow of fluid past a detection element to an outlet 183 of the flow control unit 170. Similarly to the above, each Manometric pressure sensor 176 may comprise a plurality of electrical contacts 187 which can place the manometric pressure sensor 176 in electrical communication and / or by signal with its corresponding PCB assembly 179.

In addition to the above, the manifold 166 of the fluid circulation system 160 may be configured to distribute the fluid flowing therethrough to eight supply lines 164 of the endoscope reprocessor and the endoscope channels associated therewith. Referring now to FIG. 5, the manifold 166 may include an inlet 161, eight outlets 163, and a second inlet 165 positioned at an opposite end of the manifold 166. In various embodiments, the manifold 166 may be configured to receive and distribute several different fluids through the operation of the Endoscope Reprocessor 100. Referring to FIG. 3 again, the inlet 161 of the manifold 166 can be configured to receive a solution flow comprising water and detergent, among other things, from the pump 162. In several embodiments, one or more valves can be operated to place the pump 162 in fluid communication with a water source such that the pump 162 can pump water in the supply lines 164. In certain embodiments, one or more valves may be operated to place the pump 162 in fluid communication with a source of sterilizer, or sterilizing solution, such that the pump 162 can pump the sterilizer into the supply lines 164. in at least one embodiment, referring again to FIG. 5, the endoscope reprocessor 100 may comprise one or more valves, such as valve 167, for example, which can be operated to allow a flow of pressurized air from a source of pressurized air 190, for example, to manifold 166. In at least One such embodiment, the pressurized air can force any remaining water, detergent and / or sterilizer out of the endoscope channels. In certain embodiments, the endoscope reprocessor 100 may also comprise an alcohol supply 191 and a pump that can be configured to extract alcohol from the alcohol supply 191 and introduce the alcohol into the manifold 166 through the second inlet 165, for example . In at least one of said embodiments, an intermediate check valve 192 can be positioned to said pump and the second inlet 165 such that other fluids of the manifold 166 cannot flow into the alcohol supply 191.

In view of the above, an instrument reprocessor can be configured to supply one or more pressurized fluids to the channels of an instrument, such as an endoscope, for example. In various embodiments, the flow rates of the fluids that are being supplied to the endoscope channels can be monitored. In the event that the flow rate of the fluid being supplied to an endoscope channel is below an objective flow rate or a minimum acceptable flow rate, the instrument reprocessor can increase the flow rate of the fluid flowing through it. In the event that the flow rate of the fluid being supplied to an endoscope channel is above an objective flow rate or a maximum acceptable flow rate, the instrument reprocessor may decrease the flow rate of the fluid flowing through it. In certain embodiments, the instrument reprocessor may include a plurality of supply lines that supply the channels of the endoscope with fluid in which each supply line may include a variable valve orifice that can be modulated to adjust the fluid flow rate that It passes through it. In several embodiments, the orifice of the variable valve of each supply line may be part of a closed loop assembly that includes a fixed orifice differential pressure sensor configured to detect fluid flow. In several embodiments, the differential pressure sensor can be positioned upstream with respect to the orifice of the variable valve and downstream with respect to the circulation pump. In at least one embodiment, the instrument reprocessor may also include a manometric pressure sensor to detect a manometric pressure of the fluid leaving the circulation pump and a pressure control system that can be configured to modulate the fluid pressure in relation to at an objective pressure. In at least one of said embodiments, the differential pressure sensor can be positioned downstream with respect to the manometric pressure sensor and the pressure control system.

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

As described above, the fluid circulation system of the endoscope reprocessor 100 can be configured to circulate a fluid through an endoscope and / or spray the fluid on the outer surface of the endoscope. In several embodiments, referring now to FIG. 8, the endoscope reprocessor 100 may comprise a fluid dispensing system 200 that can be configured to dispense one or more fluids to the fluid circulation system. In several embodiments, referring now to FIGS. 12-16, the fluid dispensing system 200 may comprise two or more separate fluid dispensing subsystems, such as fluid dispensing subsystems 200a and 200b, for example, which can each be configured to dispense a different fluid, for example, at fluid circulation system. In several embodiments, referring now to FIG. 16, the endoscope reprocessor 100 may include a storage area that can be configured to accommodate one or more containers of a fluid, such as a sterilizer container 201a and / or detergent 201b, for example, in the same in which the reprocessor Endoscopes 100 may also include one or more fluid connectors that may each be tightly coupled with one or more of the fluid containers. In certain embodiments, the endoscope reprocessor 100 may further comprise an RFID reader and / or barcode reader that can be configured to read an RFID tag and / or barcode in the fluid container to ensure that one is using the correct fluid and, two, that the fluid is being used for a certain expiration date, for example. In any case, once the fluid connector has been coupled with the fluid container, the fluid dispensing system 200 can be configured to extract the fluid from the fluid container and dispense it to the circulation system, as described in more detail. continuation

In several embodiments, in addition to the above, the fluid subsystem 200a may include a supply pump 210, a reservoir 220, and a dispensing pump 230. In certain embodiments, the supply pump 210 may include an inlet 211 in fluid communication with the fluid container and / or any other suitable fluid source. In at least one embodiment, the supply pump 210 may comprise a positive displacement pump which, in at least one of said embodiments, may comprise a piston configured to displace a fixed amount of volume, or fluid, per piston stroke. More specifically, referring mainly to FIG. 14, the supply pump 210 may comprise a piston 212 that can be configured to move, or alternate, within a cylinder 213 between a first position or lower dead center (BDC), and a second position or upper dead center (TDC) , to extract fluid to the cylinder 213 and push the fluid through the outlet 214 of the cylinder. In certain embodiments, the supply pump 210 may further comprise a valve pusher 215 that can be contacted by the piston 212 to open a valve element and allow the fluid to exit through the outlet 214 of the pump when the piston 212 arrives to its TDC position. When the piston 212 returns to its BDC position, a valve spring positioned behind the valve pusher 215, for example, can be configured to return the valve element and the valve pusher 215 to a resting position in which the outlet 214 is tightly closed until the valve element and the valve pusher 215 are raised again by the piston 212 during the next stroke thereof. As described in greater detail below, the outlet 214 of the supply pump 210 may be in fluid communication with the reservoir 220 such that the fluid pressurized by the supply pump 210 can be discharged into an internal cavity 221 defined in the deposit 220.

In several embodiments, the reservoir 220 may include a lower portion 222, a frame 223 and an upper portion 224, in which, in at least one embodiment, the outlet 214 of the supply pump 210 may be in fluid communication with the cavity internal 221 of the tank 220 through a port 228 of the lower portion 222, for example. In several other embodiments, the supply pump 210 may be in fluid communication with the cavity 211 of the reservoir through a port in the frame 223 and / or the top 224, for example. In any case, the lower portion 222 and the upper portion 224 may be tightly coupled with the frame 223 in which, in at least one embodiment, the lower portion 222 and the upper portion 224 may be configured to couple the frame 223 in one arrangement. pressure adjustment and / or pressure mounting, for example. In various embodiments, the lower portion 222 and the upper portion 224 may be composed of a plastic material that may not be degraded by the fluid contained within the reservoir 220, for example. In certain embodiments, the tank 220 may also include a seal, such as a toric joint 229, for example, which can be positioned intermediate to the lower portion 222 and the frame 223 and a seal, such as a toric joint 229, for example, positioned intermediate to the frame 223 and the upper part 224 which can prevent the fluids from seeping out of the tank 220. In various embodiments, the frame 223 can be composed of any suitable material, such as glass, for example. In at least one embodiment, the frame 223 may be composed of borosilicate, for example, which may not be degraded by the fluid contained within the reservoir 220.

As discussed above, the supply pump 210 can be configured to supply a fixed amount of fluid to the internal cavity 221 of the reservoir for each stroke of the piston 212 of the supply pump. In use, the supply pump 210 can be operated an adequate number of times, or cycles, to fill the internal cavity 221 and / or fill the internal cavity 221 above a level, or predetermined height, within the internal cavity 221. In certain embodiments, the reservoir 220 may include an overflow line 227 that can be configured to purge fluid back to the fluid source, for example, in case the reservoir 220 is overfilled. In several embodiments, referring again to FIG. 14, the internal cavity 221 may have a

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

lower part 225, an upper part 226 and a defined height between the lower part 225 and the upper part 226. In at least one of said embodiments, the internal cavity 221 may be cylindrical and may have a constant circumference along the height thereof while, in other embodiments, the internal cavity 221 may have any suitable configuration. In various embodiments, as a result of the foregoing, each cycle of the supply pump 210 can raise the height of the fluid within the internal cavity 221 of the reservoir a certain, or fixed, amount. In at least one embodiment, the amount of fluid in the reservoir 220 can be maintained by handling the supply pump 210 the same number of runs that the dispensing pump 230 has been operated, for example. In certain embodiments, the reservoir 210 may comprise a sensor, such as a level sensor 240, for example, that can be configured to detect the height of the fluid within the cavity 221 of the reservoir and / or changes in the height of the fluid within the tank. cavity 221 of the deposit, as described in more detail below.

In several embodiments, in addition to the foregoing, the level sensor 240 may comprise an analog sensor and may be mounted in the shell 223 of the tank. In at least one embodiment, the frame 223 may be composed of glass and the level sensor 240 may be attached to the glass using at least one adhesive, for example. In at least one of said embodiments, the level sensor may comprise a capacitive sensor, such as a linear capacitive sensor, for example, which may have a first end 241 positioned at or adjacent to the bottom 225 of the cavity 221 of the reservoir and a second end 242 positioned at or adjacent to the upper part 226 of the cavity 221 of the tank. In said embodiments, the level sensor 240 may be configured to generate a first, or low, voltage when the internal cavity 211 is empty, or at least substantially empty, and a second, or high, voltage when the internal cavity 211 is full, or at least substantially full. In addition, the level sensor 240 can be configured to generate a range of voltages between the low voltage and the high voltage, depending on the level of fluid within the cavity 211 of the reservoir. More particularly, in several embodiments, the voltage generated by the level sensor 240 may be a function of the fluid height within the cavity 221 of the reservoir and, therefore, the voltage may increase as the fluid height increases . In at least one of said embodiments, the voltage may be linearly proportional to the height of the fluid, for example, in which, in at least one embodiment, the low voltage may be approximately zero volts and the high voltage may be approximately five volts. , for example.

In several embodiments, the fluid dispensing subsystem 200a may further comprise a dispensing pump 230 that can be in fluid communication with the internal cavity 211 of the reservoir 210 and can be configured to extract the fluid from the cavity 211 of the reservoir and dispense the fluid to the system of circulation of the fluid, and / or a mixing chamber within the fluid circulation system of the endoscope reprocessor 100. In at least one embodiment, the inlet to the dispensing pump 230 may be in fluid communication with the bottom portion 225 of the internal chamber 221 through a port 238 in the lower portion 222 of the deposit. In certain embodiments, the dispensing pump 230 may comprise a positive displacement pump that can be configured to displace a fixed volume of fluid per stroke. A positive displacement pump is described in detail in connection with the supply pump 210 and said analysis is not repeated here for the sake of brevity. In some embodiments, the supply pump 210 and the dispensing pump 230 may be identical, or at least almost identical. In at least one embodiment, the dispensing pump 230 may be configured to displace the same, or at least substantially the same, amount of volume, or fluid, per stroke as the supply pump 210.

In use, the supply pump 210 may be operated to fill the internal chamber 221 of the reservoir 220 until the fluid level has reached or exceeded a predetermined height within the chamber 221. In several embodiments, the fluid dispensing subsystem 200a may comprise a computer, or microprocessor, such as the PCB assembly 250, for example, which may be in electrical and / or serial communication with the supply pump 210, the dispensing pump 230, and / or the level sensor 240. In al minus one of said embodiments, the PCB assembly 250 may be configured to detect the voltage potential generated by the level sensor 240 and calculate the height of fluid within the reservoir 220 as a function of the voltage potential. In the event that the PCB assembly 250 calculates that the fluid within the reservoir 220 is below the predetermined height, the PCB assembly 250 can handle the fluid supply pump 210 until the fluid level has reached or exceeded The default height. In at least one embodiment, the PCB assembly 250 may not handle the dispensing pump 230 when the fluid level in the reservoir 220 is below the predetermined height. In the event that the PCB assembly 250 calculates that the fluid level in the reservoir 220 is at or above the predetermined height, the PCB assembly 250 can handle the dispensing pump 230 to supply the fluid circulation system with the fluid, when necessary. In certain embodiments, the PCB assembly 250 may be configured to handle the supply pump 210 before handling the dispensing pump 230 such that there is a sufficient supply of fluid in the reservoir 220 before the dispensing pump 230 is operated. at least one embodiment, the PCB assembly 250 may be configured to handle the supply pump 210 after handling the dispensing pump 230 to refill the fluid supply within the reservoir 220. In several embodiments, the PCB assembly 250 may be configured to handle the dispensing pump 230 and the supply pump 210 simultaneously so that the fluid in the reservoir 220 can be refilled as it is being dispensed by the dispensing pump 230.

As noted above, the supplied pump 210 may comprise a pump of

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

positive displacement and, in said embodiments, the PCB assembly 250 may be configured to monitor whether the supply pump 210 is administering a correct amount of fluid to the reservoir 220 per stroke of the pump piston 212. More specifically, the information regarding the fixed volumetric displacement of the supply pump 210 can be programmed into the PCB assembly 250 such that the PCB assembly 250 can assess whether the increase in the volume of fluid within the reservoir 220 per stroke of the supply pump 210, as measured by the fluid level sensor 240, agrees with the volumetric displacement of the supply pump 210. In the event that the increase in fluid within the reservoir 220 per stroke of the pump of supply 210, as measured by the fluid level sensor 240, equal, or at least sufficiently equal, to the set volumetric displacement of the supply pump 210, the PCB assembly 250 may signal the operator of the endoscope reprocessor 100 that supply pump 210 is sufficiently supplied with fluid from the fluid source. In the event that the increase in fluid within the reservoir 220 per stroke of the supply pump 210, as measured by the fluid level sensor 240, is not equal, or at least sufficiently equal, to the fixed volumetric displacement of the supply pump 210, the PCB assembly 250 may signal to the operator of the endoscope reprocessor 100 that the supply pump 210 is not sufficiently supplied with fluid from the fluid source and that the fluid source may need to be examined since The fluid source may be vacla, for example. In various circumstances, examining the fluid source may include replacing or refilling the fluid source. In various embodiments, the reservoir 220 may contain an amount of fluid therein that may be sufficient to supply the endoscope reprocessor 100, as necessary, while the operator examines the source of fluid. In reprocessors of previous endoscopes, the fluid circulation systems thereof extract fluid directly from the fluid source and, therefore, the endoscope reprocessor could not identify that the fluid source is being emptied until an operating cycle It has already begun and the lack of fluid has interrupted the operating cycle.

In several embodiments, in addition to the foregoing, the endoscope reprocessor 100 may comprise two sinks 110, for example, which can each be configured such that an endoscope can be cleaned, disinfected and / or sterilized therein. In certain embodiments, referring again to FIG. 16, the endoscope reprocessor 100 may comprise a separate fluid circulation system, such as circulation systems 290a and 290b, for example, for supplying fluid to each pool 110. In such embodiments, the fluid dispensing subsystem 200a can be configured to supplying both fluid circulation systems 290a, 290b with fluid from the fluid source 201a and, similarly, the fluid dispensing subsystem 200b can be configured to supply both fluid circulation systems 290a, 290b with fluid from the fluid source 201b. In at least one of said embodiments, the endoscope reprocessor 100 may comprise a valve 280a that may be, one, in fluid communication with the dispensing pump 230 of the fluid dispensing subsystem 200a and, two, in selective fluid communication with the systems of fluid circulation 290a, 290b such that a fluid can be selectively supplied to the fluid circulation systems 290a, 290b from the fluid source 201a. Similarly, the endoscope reprocessor 100 may comprise a valve 280b which may be, one, in fluid communication with the dispensing pump 203 of the fluid dispensing subsystem 200b and, two, in selective fluid communication with the fluid circulation subsystems 290a , 290b such that a fluid can be selectively supplied to the fluid circulation systems 290a, 290b from the fluid source 201b. Before executing an operating cycle of a fluid circulation system, in certain embodiments, the fluid circulation system may require an amount of the fluid, such as a detergent and / or sterilizer, for example, from the fluid dispensing subsystem 200a. In said embodiments, in addition to the above, the pCb assembly 250 may be programmed to maintain an amount of fluid within the reservoir 220 of the subsystem 200a such that, when fluid is needed to supply a fluid circulation system 290a, 290b , the fluid is available without having to handle the supply pump 210. In various circumstances, the amount of fluid needed from a reservoir 220 by the fluid circulation system may be greater than the volume of fluid that can be supplied by a single stroke of the dispensing pump 230 and, therefore, several runs of the dispensing pump 230 may be required. In any case, the amount of a particular fluid needed by a fluid circulation system before an operating cycle of the instrument reprocessor 100 can match the minimum amount of fluid that can be programmed in the PCB assembly 250 to hold in a tank 220. In certain embodiments ions, the PCB assembly 250 can be programmed to maintain sufficient fluid in a reservoir 220 to supply both circulation systems with a particular fluid to begin their operating cycles without the need to be refilled by the corresponding supply pump 210. Of course, in addition to the above, the supply pump 210 could then be managed to refill the tank 220 after both fluid circulation systems have been supplied with a sufficient amount of fluid. In view of the foregoing, in several embodiments, a reservoir 220 may have sufficient fluid contained therein to supply at least one operating cycle of a fluid circulation system before the corresponding supply pump 210 is activated to refill the reservoir 220 in which, in case the supply pump 210 is unable to refill the reservoir 220 due to an empty fluid supply, for example, the operator of the endoscope reprocessor 100 is given the opportunity to replace the supply of fluid before the next operating cycle of a fluid circulation system.

In addition to the above, the dispensing pump 230 may comprise a positive displacement pump and, in such embodiments, the PCB assembly 250 can monitor whether the dispensing pump 230 is

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

extracting a correct amount of fluid per stroke from the reservoir 220. More specifically, the information regarding the fixed volumetric displacement of the dispensing pump 230 can be programmed into the PCB assembly 250 such that the PCB assembly 250 can assess whether the decrease in fluid within the reservoir 220 per stroke of the dispensing pump 230, as measured by the fluid level sensor 240, agrees with the fixed volumetric displacement of the dispensing pump 230. In the event that the decrease in fluid within the reservoir 220 per stroke of the dispensing pump 210 is equal, or at least sufficiently equal, to the fixed volumetric displacement of the dispensing pump 230, as measured by the fluid level sensor 240, the PCB assembly 250 can signal the operator of the Endoscope reprocessor 100 that the dispensing pump 230 is being sufficiently supplied with fluid from the reservoir 220. In the event that the decrease of fluid within the tank 220 per stroke of the dispensing pump 230, as measured by the fluid level sensor 240, is not equal, or at least sufficiently equal, to the volumetric displacement of the dispensing pump 230, the assembly of PCB 250 may indicate to the operator of the endoscope reprocessor 100 that the dispensing pump 230 is not sufficiently supplied with fluid and that some examination and / or maintenance of the fluid dispensing subsystem may be required.

As discussed above with respect to various embodiments, each fluid dispensing subsystem 200a, 200b may comprise a fluid supply pump 210 and a separate fluid dispensing pump 230. As also discussed above, in several embodiments, the fluid supply pump 210 and the fluid dispensing pump 230 can be independently operated from each other to supply fluid and dispense fluid from reservoir 220, respectively. In certain alternative embodiments, a single pumping apparatus can be configured to, one, pump fluid to the reservoir 220 from the fluid supply and, two, pump fluid from the reservoir 220 to a fluid circulation system. In at least one of said embodiments, the pumping apparatus may comprise a piston having a first piston head positioned within a first cylinder and a second piston head positioned within a second cylinder in which the piston can be linearly reciprocated. to move the first and second piston heads into the first and second cylinders, respectively. In several embodiments, the first cylinder may be in fluid communication with a source of fluid and the reservoir while the second cylinder may be in fluid communication with the reservoir and the fluid circulation system such that the first piston head that moving inside the first cylinder can pump fluid from the source of fluid to the reservoir and the second head of the piston moving inside the second cylinder can pump fluid from the reservoir to the fluid circulation system. In several embodiments, the arrangement of the first piston head and the first cylinder may comprise a first positive displacement pump and at the disposition of the second piston head and the second cylinder may comprise a second positive displacement pump. In certain embodiments, the pumping apparatus may comprise a valve control system that can be configured to control or limit the flow of fluid to the first cylinder and / or the second cylinder, for example. In at least one of said embodiments, the valve control system can be configured to close a valve element and prevent the fluid from flowing to the second fluid while the fluid is being pumped to the reservoir from the first cylinder. Similarly, the valve control system can be configured to close a valve element and prevent fluid from flowing to the first cylinder while the fluid is being pumped from the reservoir through the second cylinder. In said embodiments, the first and second piston heads may correspond within their respective first and second cylinders; however, the flow of fluid through the cylinders can be avoided, as described above. In several alternative embodiments, a pump may comprise a rotary pump having a first opening in fluid communication with the fluid source, a second opening in fluid communication with the reservoir, and a third opening in fluid communication with the fluid circulation system. . In at least one of said embodiments, a valve control system can be configured to close or block the third opening when fluid is pumped into the reservoir and, alternatively, block the first opening when fluid is pumped from the reservoir. In certain embodiments, the valve control system could include any suitable arrangement of one or more double acting valves and / or reel valves, for example. In several embodiments, any positive displacement pump including a three-valve can be used to pump fluid to reservoir 220 from a fluid source and then from reservoir 220 to the fluid circulation system.

As discussed above, referring again to FIG. 16, the endoscope reprocessor 100 may comprise a fluid dispensing system 200 that can be configured to deliver a fluid to one or more fluid circulation systems. As also discussed above, the fluid dispensing system 200 may comprise more than one fluid dispensing subsystem, such as the first subsystem 200a and the second subsystem 200b, for example. In several embodiments, the second subsystem 200b may be identical, or at least substantially identical, to the first subsystem 200a and, as a result, the structure and operation of the second subsystem 200b is not repeated herein for the sake of brevity. In at least one embodiment, the first subsystem 200a may be configured to dispense a first fluid to one or more fluid circulation systems, such as fluid circulation systems 290a and 290b, for example, and the second subsystem 200b may be configured to dispense a second fluid to the fluid circulation systems 290a, 290b, for example. In at least one of said embodiments, the first fluid dispensing subsystem 200a can be configured to dispense a detergent, for example, to a fluid circulation system while the second fluid dispensing subsystem 200b can be configured to dispense a sterilizer, as acid

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

peracetic, for example, to the fluid circulation system. As also discussed above, the fluid dispensing systems 200a and 200b can be operated at different times to supply the fluid circulation systems with their respective fluids at different times during their operating cycles. In several other circumstances, the fluid subsystems 200a and 200b can be operated at the same time to supply the same fluid circulation system with different fluids and / or at the same time to supply different fluid circulation systems with different fluids, by example.

In addition to the above, the first fluid circulation system 209a may comprise a first flow subsystem 160 of the channel and a first pump 162 to circulate a fluid through the first circulation system 290a while the second fluid circulation system 290b may comprise a second flow subsystem 160 of the channel and a second pump 160 to circulate a fluid through the second circulation system 290b. In several other embodiments, an instrument reprocessor may comprise any suitable number of fluid circulation systems; however, with respect to any of the fluid circulation systems, the flow subsystem 160 of the channel thereof can be configured to control a procedure for starting, or starting up, the fluid circulation system. More specifically, after an instrument has been placed in the pool 110 and the lid 130 has been closed, the operator can initiate an operating cycle to clean the instrument and, at that point, the channel flow subsystem 160 can be configured to control an initial flow of the reprocessing fluid from the pump 162. In several embodiments, the instrument, such as an endoscope for example, may comprise a plurality of channels, or lumens, that extend through it that may have lengths, diameters and / or different configurations, for example, that cause the channels to have different resistance, or restrictions, of general flow, for example. In the event that the pump 162 was to be started with all the metering valves 174 in an open condition and / or the same condition, the fluid flowing from the pump 162 will tend to fill and / or pressurize the endoscope channels that have smaller flow resistances before filling and / or pressurizing the endoscope channels that have higher flow resistances, for example. In various circumstances, such a situation would be transitory and the desirable operating conditions or steady state operating conditions of the fluid circulation system will be achieved. In some circumstances, this commissioning procedure is completely adequate. In other circumstances, however, a different start-up procedure may be desirable.

In several embodiments, in addition to the foregoing, the channel flow subsystem 160 may include a computer and / or a microprocessor, for example, which could arrange the valves 174 in different conditions during the start-up procedure. In at least one embodiment, the subsystem computer can handle valves 174 to compensate for different resistance, or flow restrictions, of the endoscope channels, for example. For example, for the valves 174 that control the flow of fluid through the endoscope channels with high flow resistance, the subsystem computer may place said valves 174 in a completely open condition whereas, for the valves 174 that control the fluid flow through the endoscope channels with low fluid resistance, the subsystem computer can place said valves 174 in a partially closed condition. In such embodiments, the fluid flow of the pump 162 may tend to fill and / or pressurize all channels of the endoscope at the same time, or at least substantially at the same time. Under certain circumstances, the transitional state for filling the channels with pressurized fluid can be shortened and a steady state operating condition, or a desirable operating condition, can be achieved in less time. Such embodiments may reduce the total time required to execute a cleaning cycle of the instrument reprocessor 100. In embodiments that have eight endoscope channels and eight flow control units 170 to control fluid flow through the eight supply lines 164 of the corresponding channel, for example, the eight metering valves 174 thereof can all be placed in different conditions, and / or the same condition, of being open, closed, partially open, and / or partially closed, for example.

In several embodiments described herein, the flow subsystem computer may use one or more criteria, or parameters, to control the valves 174 of the flow control units 170 during the start-up or start-up procedure. In addition to the above, a first metering valve 174 of a first control unit 170 can be configured to control the flow of fluid through a first endoscope channel defined by a first valve of a particular parameter, a second metering valve 174 of a second control unit 170 can be configured to control the flow of fluid through a second endoscope channel defined by a second valve of the particular parameter, and a third metering valve 174 of a third control unit 170 can be configured to control the flow of fluid through a third endoscope channel defined by a third valve of a particular parameter. In several embodiments, the first value of the parameter may be greater than the second value of the parameter and the second value may be greater than the third value of the parameter in which the first valve 174 can be modulated to a first open state, the second valve 174 it can be modulated to a second open state based on the difference between the first value and the second value of the parameter, and the third value 174 can be modulated to a third open state based on the difference between the first value and the third value of the parameter to regulate the flow of fluid through the first, second and third channels. In at least one of said embodiments, the first open state, the second open state and the third open state of the first, second and third valves 174, respectively, can be selected in such a way.

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

that, during the start-up, or start-up, procedure of the fluid circulation system, the flow of fluid through the first, second and third channels of the endoscope can be distributed equally, or at least substantially equally, through the first, second and third endoscope channels. In at least one embodiment, the first, second and third open states of the valves 174 may be selected such that the volumetric flow rates through the endoscope channels are equal, or at least substantially equal, to each other as the channels of the endoscope filled with the fluid. In such embodiments, the flow rates of fluid through the endoscope channels may increase during the start-up procedure where each fluid flow may increase concurrently with the other fluid flows. In at least one embodiment, the first, second and third open states of the valves 174 may be selected such that the pressure gauges of the fluid flowing through the endoscope channels are equal, or at least substantially equal, to each other at as the endoscope channels fill with fluid. In said embodiment, the pressure or fluid flowing through the channels of the endoscope may increase during the start-up procedure where the pressure of each fluid flowing can increase concurrently with the pressure of the other fluids.

In at least one embodiment, in addition to the above, the parameter for selecting the open conditions of the metering valves 174 may comprise the flow resistance values of the instrument channels. In various circumstances, the flow resistance value of an instrument channel may be influenced by many variables; however, the flow resistance value of a channel of the instrument can be greatly determined by the length of the channel, the diameter of the channel, and the curves, or bends, in the path of the channel. Instrument channels that have longer lengths, smaller diameters and / or more curves in the channel path will typically have higher flow resistance values than instruments that have shorter lengths, larger diameters and / or less curves in the channel. channel path In any case, the instrument channel having the highest flow resistance value of the medical instrument can be selected as a baseline from which fluid flows can be adjusted through other instrument channels. In at least one embodiment, the first instrument channel may have the highest fluid flow resistance and the first metering valve 174 may be adjusted to a completely open condition, for example. In several embodiments, the second metering valve 174 can be closed a certain amount based on the difference between the first flow resistance value and the second flow resistance value. Similarly, the third metering valve 174 can be closed a certain amount based on the difference between the first flow resistance value and the third flow resistance value. In various circumstances, the greater the difference between the flow resistance value of a channel of the instrument and the first flow resistance value, or a flow resistance value of the baseline, the greater the degree to which the corresponding metering valve 174 can be closed.

In any case, in addition to the above, once the steady state operating condition, or desirable operating condition, of the fluid circulation system has been reached, the subsystem computer may allow the flow control units 170 independently control and govern the flow of fluid through the supply lines 164 of the endoscope channel as discussed above. In various circumstances, the devices and methods described herein may be designed to provide an adequate supply of reprocessing fluid for cleaning, disinfecting and / or sterilizing an endoscope, and / or any other suitable instrument, comprising channels having different resistances. flow. In addition to the above, these devices and methods can be configured to provide an adequate supply of reprocessing fluid to the channels by controlling the fluid flow through each channel individually.

In various circumstances, the pump 162 may have sufficient output to supply all supply lines 164 of the reprocessor and the endoscope channels associated therewith with an adequate supply of reprocessing fluid during the start of the operating cycle and through the cycle. of operation. In addition to the above, the flow control units 170 can be configured to handle the fluid supplied thereto such that each supply line 164 of the reprocessor has a flow rate through it that meets or exceeds the minimum target flow rate and Therefore, it is not short of fluid. In the event that the fluid flowing through one or more supply lines 164 of the reprocessor is below the minimum target flow and the pump 162 is not operating at maximum capacity, the output of the pump 162 may be increased. In some circumstances, the manometric pressure of the reprocessing fluid leaving the pump 162 may increase above the target manometric pressure, such as 35 psig, for example, at least temporarily so that the pump 162 meets the supply demands of the lines supply 164 of the reprocessor and the endoscope channels associated with them. In the event that the fluid flowing through one or more of the supply lines 164 of the reprocessor is below the minimum target flow and the pump 162 is operating at a maximum capacity, or near the maximum, it may be operated at least a booster pump to increase the flow rate and / or the pressure of the reprocessing fluid entering the manifold 166 and the supply lines 164 of the reprocessor. In several embodiments, the at least one booster pump could be in series with the pump 162 and / or in parallel with the pump 162, for example, where the at least one booster pump could be selectively actuated to assist the pump 162.

In various embodiments discussed herein, each supply line 164 of the reprocessor of the

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

Channel 160 subsystem may comprise a metering valve 174 configured to control a variable orifice. In several other embodiments, at least one of the supply lines 164 of the reprocessor may include a fixed orifice or a fixed orifice valve. In at least one embodiment, the fixed orifice valve can be positioned in either an open condition or a closed condition. In at least one of said embodiments, the supply line 164 of the reprocessor having a fixed orifice valve can be coupled to the endoscope channel having the highest fluid flow resistance, for example, where the fluid flow through of said endoscope channel may be a function of the manometric pressure of the reprocessing fluid supplied by the pump 162. In several embodiments, the supply lines 164 of the reprocessor having a variable orifice controlled by a metering valve 174, for example, may modulate with respect to the supply line 164 of the reprocessor that has a fixed orifice valve when the fixed orifice valve is in an open condition, for example.

Although this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, the present invention may be further modified within the scope of the disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variation, use or adaptation of the invention that uses its general principles. In addition, this application is intended to cover such deviations from the present disclosure as they come within the practice known or customary in the technique to which this invention belongs.

Claims (7)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 55 60 65 Claims 1. A method for using a monitoring system to maintain a volume of reprocessing fluid within a supply reservoir for a fluid circulation system (290a, 290b) of an instrument reprocessor (100), said method comprising the steps from: supplying a quantity of reprocessing fluid to the supply tank (220) from a source of reprocessing fluid (201a, 201b); detect the amount of reprocessing fluid in the supply tank; determining whether the amount of reprocessing fluid in the supply tank is more than a predetermined amount; operate a positive displacement filling pump (210) to supply reprocessing fluid to the supply tank (220) if the amount of reprocessing fluid in the supply tank is less than a predetermined amount, where the displacement filling pump positive (210) is configured to provide a fixed volume of reprocessing fluid per stroke; monitor the amount of reprocessing fluid in the supply tank (220) as the positive displacement filling pump (210) is being operated; determining whether the amount of reprocessing fluid in the fluid reservoir (220) has increased by a re-supply volume equal to the product of the volume displaced per stroke and the number of strokes of the positive displacement filling pump (210); Y Issue an alert if the amount of reprocessing fluid in the supply tank (220) has not increased by the volume of re-supply. 2. The method of Claim 1, further comprising the steps of: actuate a positive displacement dispensing pump (230) to deliver the reprocessing fluid to the fluid circulation system (290a, 290b), if the amount of reprocessing fluid in the supply tank is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount; Y detecting a change in the amount of reprocessing fluid in the reprocessing fluid reservoir after the reprocessing fluid has been dispensed from the reprocessing fluid reservoir. 3. The method of Claim 2, wherein the positive displacement dispensing pump (230) is the same pump as the positive displacement filling pump (210). 4. The method of Claim 2, further comprising the step of replacing the source of reprocessing fluid in response to the alert issued, wherein said replacement step can take place at the same time as said positive displacement dispensing pump (230 ) administers the reprocessing fluid to the fluid circulation system. 5. The method of Claim 2, wherein the positive displacement dispensing pump (230) is configured to dispense a fixed volume of reprocessing fluid per stroke to the fluid circulation system (290a, 290b) which is equal to the fixed volume of reprocessing fluid per stroke supplied by the positive displacement filling pump (210). 6. The method of Claim 2, wherein the positive displacement dispensing pump (230) can be operated at the same time as the positive displacement filling pump (210). 7. The method of Claim 1, further comprising the step of actuating the positive displacement filling pump (210) to dispense reprocessing fluid from the supply tank (220) to the fluid circulation system (290a, 290b) if the amount of reprocessing fluid in the supply tank (220) is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount, where the positive displacement filling pump (210) is configured to dispense a fixed volume of reprocessing fluid per stroke.